Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said accorded high regards to the personnel of the Indian Army saying for him Ayodhya is where Indian Army soldiers. On the occasion of Diwali, the Prime Minister reached Himachal Pradesh's Lepcha where celebrated the festival of Diwali with the soldiers.
Speaking on the occasion, he said, "I come and celebrate Diwali every year with our Army personnel. It is said that Ayodhya is where Lord Ram is, but for me, Ayodhya is where Indian Army personnel are," he said.
"I have not celebrated any Diwali for the last 30-35 years when I was not with you people. When I was not the PM or CM, even then I visited some or the other border area to celebrate the festival of Diwali," he added.
Calling Lepcha the "first village", PM Modi said, "It is said that festival is celebrated only where there is family, but today, you all are stationed at the borders while being away from your families, it shows the pinnacle of your devotion to duty."
Lauding the security forces for their contribution to nation-building and enhancing country's global prestige, PM Modi said, "India is safe so long as its brave soldiers are standing on its borders, unflinching as the Himalayas."
"India is rapidly emerging as a global player in defence sector. Now, we are moving ahead to fulfilling the defence-related needs of not only our country but also of friendly countries," he added.
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He noted that India's defence exports increased eightfold between Diwali in 2016 and now while the domestic defence production touched Rs 1 lakh crore. He also highlighted that over 500 women officers have been given permanent commission in Army.
Modi has been celebrating the festival of Diwali every year with security personnel since 2014 when he first became the Prime Minister of the country.